The 16 Best Nursery Gliders and Rocking Chairs for You and Your Baby

Having a comfortable place to sit, feed your baby, and soothe them is essential, and rocking chairs and gliders are the coziest options for the job. A good, comfortable chair will last long past your baby’s first year and serve as the ideal place to cuddle as your little one grows. It can even be repurposed as furniture in other areas of your home. To help you find the best rockers and gliders for nursery use and beyond, we had several of our editors test the latest models at home with their own babies.

Comfort is the ultimate consideration according to our experts and parents. “Positions that support the feeding person’s back and arms are important for a comfortable and successful infant feeding session,” says wellness expert Tina McGeough. “Whether feeding occurs in a chair that moves or is stationary really depends on the feeding person and the baby’s preference,” she tells Parents.

The best gliders and rocking chairs can swivel, rock, recline—some with the push of a button—and even charge your phone. We put the top models in the market to the test with sleepy parents and hungry babies to find the best options for your home.

Our Favorite Nursery Gliders and Rocking Chairs

Best Nursery Gliders

A nursery glider is different from a rocking chair because it sits on a fixed track and gently glides back and forth, typically in a forward and backward motion. Some nursery gliders may also swivel in a 360-degree motion, which could come in handy if you need to grab a burp cloth or baby wipe from the changing table behind you. Other models recline or come with matching ottomans that allow you to prop your feet up—an especially helpful feature when you’re spending long periods of time rocking and feeding your baby. 

Our parents who tested the gliders below remarked how comfortable they were, sharing that they found them “supportive” and that they allowed their muscles to “fully relax” while feeding their baby.

Why We Like It

Created by mom, designer, and HGTV star Leanne Ford, this beautiful glider is stunning in both quality and style. Our parent tester felt “comfy” and “secure” while using it, and found he could sit for extended periods of time without discomfort. The glider’s linen-blend fabric provides an upscale look, and we love that its floating pillow resembles the popular cloud couch vibe.

As a bonus, this glider arrived at our parent tester’s home fully assembled. We also appreciate that it rotates a full 360 degrees, has a matching ottoman that doubles as a storage chest, and is topped with a machine-washable slipcover that repels liquid—music to every parent’s ears. 

But Take Note

Our parent tester felt the armrests on this glider were a bit stiff and slightly too high for some bodies. While the glider is priced on the higher side, we felt that the quality construction and ability to transition to living room furniture outside of the nursery did justify the cost.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 36.25 x 36 x 40.5 in.
• Product weight: 35.5 lbs. 
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Care instructions: Machine-wash slipcovers

We were immediately drawn to the simplicity of this traditional-looking glider. It took our parent tester less than one hour to assemble, and we love that it has generous pockets below each armrest (phone and snack storage is a must in those early newborn days!) and comes with a matching ottoman. 

Although two buttons fell off the backrest cushion within the first week of use–which affected the look, but not any functionality—our parent tester thought the glider struck a good balance between being aesthetically pleasing and functional for everyday use, adding that he felt “supported” and “deeply relaxed” while using it. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 25.5 x 21.5 x 38.5 in.
• Product weight: 45 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean cushions with a soft, damp cloth

With a narrower footprint including a seat that’s only 19 inches across, this glider is a functional yet stylish option for those who have a small nursery or limited space for a glider. Our parent tester liked how seamlessly the chair fit in his baby’s nursery, but did note that the smaller seat was noticeable as compared to the other gliders we tested. 

Despite this, our parent tester appreciated the armrest height, which allowed him to sit comfortably for over an hour and bottle-feed his son. We also liked the high backrest that helped keep us awake and the matching ottoman for comfort during late-night feedings.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 31.5 x 25 x 39.25 in.
• Product weight: 80 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean with a light, non-toxic cleaner and a cotton towel 

Whether you are parenting multiple children or just want more freedom to spread out, this glider has more than enough room to accommodate you and your little ones. Its 30-inch-wide seat gave our parent tester and her toddler plenty of space to sit together and read books, while its supportive frame and lumbar pillow kept her comfortable and prevented her from slouching. 

Although she wished the backrest sat a bit higher, our parent tester raved about the eco-performance fabric, which the brand says not only repels water and resists stains but is made with at least 30 recycled plastic bottles.

The Details:

• Dimensions: 34.75 x 39 x 37.5 in.
• Product weight: 77 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean with a light, non-toxic cleaner and a cotton towel 

Other Gliders We Liked 

Best Gliders With Power Reclining 

A glider with power reclining takes parenting to a whole new level. With the touch of a button, these gliders allow you to gently tilt your chair back while the footrest lifts to prop your feet up. And perhaps more importantly, a touch of a button can bring you back down to earth so you can safely get yourself and your baby out of the chair. 

Power reclining nursery gliders add an element of comfort and convenience to feeding sessions with your baby, which every parent deserves to experience. As long as you have the space for a fully reclined glider and can place it near a power outlet, we recommend considering our favorite gliders with power reclining listed below. 

Why We Like It

This cozy glider has three positions: sitting, reading, and full recline. The recline button is conveniently located on the exterior of the right arm, which allows you to adjust the chair without waking your baby. After spending many hour-long feeding sessions in this glider, our parent tester was so relaxed that they even fell asleep in it several times (sans baby, of course!). 

This glider has generously padded armrests and deep, plush cushions, which our parent tester said she could spend “hours” sitting on. She also raved that it has a “super quiet” motor and that the reclining motion was “very smooth.” As a bonus, this glider also has a built-in USB port so you can stay plugged in to browse, text, shop, or listen to a podcast while feeding your baby. 

But Take Note

According to our parent tester, this glider takes up quite a bit of room when fully reclined. Because of this, she had to place it far enough away from the wall (at least 25 inches, according to the brand) so that it had enough space to recline. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 38 x 36.5 x 40 in.
• Product weight: 111 lbs. 
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: Spot clean with a damp, white cloth and air-dry 

We loved how smoothly this glider could spin (a full 270 degrees, to be exact) and glide back and forth. Our parent tester dubbed the recline feature a “dream” and appreciated that with a push of a button, she could lower the headrest and raise the footrest. She even caught her husband sitting on it without the baby, proving it’s a chair that will long outlast the nursery days. 

Aside from its recline function, our parent tester was a big fan of the glider’s cozy faux shearling fabric and liked that it had a USB port, which she called her “lifeline” when she was “nap trapped.” We also appreciate that this glider is Greenguard Gold Certified and made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-Certified Wood and CertiPUR-US Certified Foam. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 30.5 x 35.5 x 39 in.
• Product weight: 113 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean with a light foam cleaner

After suffering from back pain with her previous nursery glider, our parent tester called this one from Nurture& “amazing” because she could adjust the lumbar and neck positions with the touch of a button. In her opinion, the auto-adjustable neck and lumbar made her more comfortable and helped her maintain good posture while feeding her baby. We also love that it’s made with stain-resistant fabric that our parent tester confirmed looked and felt “high quality” and even “elevated” her existing home decor. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 38 x 33 x 32.5 in.
• Product weight: 124 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 330 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Combine 1 tbl. of a liquid detergent with 16 oz. of lukewarm water. Dampen a cleaning cloth in the mixture and gently blot the soiled area. Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth. 

Other Power Reclining Gliders We Liked 

Best Gliders With Manual Reclining

Gliders with power recline can be a bit noisy, as confirmed by a few of our parent testers who thought the motor woke their baby. Electric recliners also require access to a power outlet, which might not be conveniently located. So if you’re looking for an option for a glider that reclines with elbow grease instead of electricity, consider the manual gliders below, which were favorites among our parent testers. 

Why We Like It

This glider reclines back and props your feet up to give you a fully relaxed experience. Our parent tester liked that the reclining mechanism is hidden, which she thought provided a “modern, sleek” look. With a toddler at home, she also appreciated the water and stain-repellent fabric—she was even able to remove ketchup from it with a baby wipe. We also love that the fabric is made using recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester yarn and contains CertiPUR-US Certified foam. 

Even with a reclining feature, this glider has a smaller footprint, making it an ideal option for those who are tight on space. Our parent tester lives in a two-bedroom apartment and had no trouble fitting it in amongst her other baby gear. The chair also swivels 360 degrees and comes fully assembled, which makes this glider even more appealing for busy parents. 

But Take Note

Beyond its ability to recline, this glider doesn’t have any special features, like a USB port, cup holder, or pockets. And while we like the look of it, it would be nice to have additional color options other than gray and cream. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 35.5 x 30 x 38 in.
• Product weight: 96.8 lbs. 
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: Wipe-clean 

At just 33 inches wide, this glider is one of the smaller options on our list. Our parent tester was able to place it in a hallway nook just outside one of her bedrooms, which allowed her to maximize the space she had in her nursery. It’s easy to assemble, and our parent tester felt that it was well-made and high-quality. 

Though it’s a good option for small spaces, this glider still sports wide, supportive armrests and plenty of room to sit comfortably. Our parent tester loved that she and her son could sit side-by-side in it to read books before bedtime. We also appreciate that it’s made with water-repellent and stain-resistant fabric and comes with a 100% warranty on all moving parts. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 38.2 x 33.3 x 42.1 in.
• Product weight: 93 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Wipe-clean

Other Gliders We Liked 

Best Rocking Chairs

There’s something nostalgic about sitting in a rocking chair and the timeless look can elevate your nursery decor and provide wonderful memories as you rock your little one to sleep. Our favorite nursery rocking chairs are far from the average front porch rocker and instead, feature modern designs, supportive cushions, and beautiful fabrics that take up less space than the average glider. 

Why We Like It

Maybe it’s the Scandinavian design or the curved cushions and headrest pillow, but there’s something so inviting about this particular rocking chair. Our parent tester shares that it’s “cozier than it looks” and praised it for alleviating his back pain. Although it doesn’t recline, he was able to nap comfortably in this rocker and said that the fabric feels “soft to the touch” and looks “high quality.” 

Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about this rocking chair waking your baby. Our parent tester confirmed that its wooden legs rock quietly and feel very stable, likely due to the felt liners under the wooden base. This rocker also has two generous storage pockets on each side and, impressively, took our parent tester only five minutes to assemble the entire chair. 

But Take Note

This rocking chair checked all of our boxes for design, comfort, and value. Our parent tester did share that while he felt “relaxed” in the chair, the armrests were a bit thin. Despite this, he was still able to rest in this chair and his neck even felt better after napping in it. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 39.5 x 30 x 38.5 in.
• Product weight: 26.5 lbs. 
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
• Care instructions: Wipe stains with a damp cloth 

Our favorite thing about this rocking chair is its wingback mid-century style, which provides a modern yet timeless aesthetic. The chair’s sturdy wooden legs rock quietly and the stain-resistant fabric is “plush, cozy, and feels luxe,” according to our parent tester. 

Aside from looking sophisticated, the sloped arms of this rocker were an ideal spot for our parent tester to place a feeding pillow or rock her toddler. The arms also felt “sturdy and supportive” to her, and because she was pregnant at the time, our tester appreciated the firmness of the cushions, which made the chair an “easy spot” to rock and relax in. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 39.5 x 28 x 37 in.
• Product weight: 56.8 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean with a light foam cleaner

Although it has no bells and whistles, this rocking chair is so comfortable that our parent tester and her family had to take turns sitting in it (and nobody wanted to get up!). The seat is wide enough for an adult and child to sit side by side, and its light wooden base and mid-century modern design make it an attractive fit for any nursery. Although the seat felt a bit “unstable” to our parent tester after assembling it, it quickly settled into place after a few minutes of use and she felt “supported” and “cradled” by its seat. 

The Details:

• Dimensions: 39.25 x 26.75 x 40 in.
• Product weight: 48.5 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
• Care instructions: ‎Spot clean

Other Rocking Chairs We Liked

Our Testing Process 

We researched and evaluated dozens of gliders and rocking chairs based on the feedback we received from lactation consultants (and our own experience as parents) to come up with a list of gliders and rockers for real parents and their families to test at home. Then, we had parents use them in everyday circumstances, from feeding and rocking their babies to relaxing or even dozing off for a nap or two without their babies. After extensive testing over weeks at home, our parent testers shared their experience with us, specifically focusing on the following attributes of their glider or rocker:

• Ease of assembly: Parents timed how long it took for them to assemble the glider, if required, and made note of whether or not they had to configure any attachments, such as a headrest, storage pockets, or footrests. 
• Design: After describing the overall look and feel, parents gave their opinion on how sturdy and well-made the glider was. They also determined if the chair would work well in a small space and if it would transition well to another room of the house, such as a living room. We also evaluated any additional special features, like a USB port or lumbar pillow. 
• Comfort: Parents evaluated how the glider’s fabric felt and described what it was like sitting on it. They focused on how cradled they felt by the seat and if they had enough room to adjust if needed. We also specifically focused on armrest height and comfort for feeding and cradling a baby. 
• Ease of cleaning: In addition to noting if the glider repelled water and was stain resistant, parents described what it was like to clean the glider according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Value: Parents used the median price of $925 to determine if they felt like the glider was a good value. In addition to sharing if they’d be willing to pay more for it and would recommend it to others, they also reported how well the seat cushion held up during testing and if they thought the glider would grow with their family. 

Our Experts

Before and after testing gliders, we spoke to the following healthcare professionals and parents to find out what to look for in gliders and how to use them safely:

• Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC, LCCE, a lactation consultant we talked to before designing this test
• Tina McGeough, MPH, RDN, CDE, LCCE, CLC, a mom of two and owner of Blooming Mom
• Aubrey Phelps, MS, RDN, CLC, a registered functional perinatal and pediatric nutritionist, and certified lactation counselor
• Christine Sterling, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN, and founder of Sterling Parents 
• Nikki Hunter Greenaway, NP, IBCLC, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and international board certified lactation consultant

Factors to Consider When Buying a Nursery Glider or Rocking Chair

• Rockers vs. Gliders vs. Swivel Chairs: While we do include traditional rocking chairs in our guide, gliders have become more popular in recent years. Some prefer them because they can be easier to move and there’s less risk of rocking over little fingers, toes, and animal tails. Some gliders also allow for both a rocking motion and swiveling from side to side. If you don’t know which type of motion your baby prefers yet, you may want a chair with multiple options.
• Powered vs. Manual Recline: If you want a chair that also reclines, you can choose to use the old-fashioned lever or a chair that reclines with the push of a button. Powered gliders will almost always be more expensive than a manual model because it requires a built-in motor. Beware that some of these motors can be loud.
• Size: Greenaway tells us that “a glider or rocker that features narrow seating or high arms may not be comfortable for a parent that needs to do football hold or cross cradle [for feeding]. The comfort of the parent is key. In my experience, the parents’ comfort dictates the ultimate comfort of the newborn and the success of the feeding session.”
• Support and Comfort: Always keep in mind that you might get stuck in a chair during a marathon cluster feeding session. “[Parents are] going to spend a lot of time there, so making sure [their] back isn’t aching or it’s not hard to sit in is crucial,” says Phelps. A chair with armrests at a convenient height, plus neck and back support, will help avoid strain during feeding. Don’t forget that your feet should be able to touch the floor, especially if you’re trying to rock the chair, but you can also purchase an ottoman to help with this. If multiple adults and a sibling or two will be using the chair, try to find one that can accommodate everyone (though not necessarily all at once!).
• Materials and Care: O’Connor recommends evaluating upholstery based on ease of cleaning and comfort. Let’s just say things can get messy during feeding sessions and after them. You’ll find that most of the recommendations in our list featured treated upholstery that were stain-resistant and spill-proof. O’Connor also reminds shoppers to consider whether the material is made from fibers that might trigger allergies. 
• Additional Features: Consider whether your glider or rocker comes with an ottoman. Especially if you’re shorter, this accessory can make it more comfortable to rock or glide in the chair. Sometimes you may get “stuck” hanging out in your chair for quite a while, so it is a good idea to have some essentials nearby. You may want a chair that has pockets, a built-in USB charging port, and a cup holder to keep everything you need within reach. 

How to Use a Nursery Glider Safely

No matter how comfortable your glider or rocking chair may be, you should never fall asleep with your baby in your arms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Babies always need to sleep flat on their backs, on a firm surface. Here are some other safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Do not leave a recliner’s footrest in the upright position.
• Ensure there is nothing under the footrest space when you go to close it.
• Keep adult and child fingers clear of the footrest lever or chair base.
• Do not place a feeding chair too close to window curtains, a heater, or shelves with items that your little one could pull off.

Do I Need a Nursery Glider?

Every expert we spoke to stressed that a rocking chair or nursery glider is a want and not a necessity. That doesn’t mean that a nursery glider isn’t essential to some parents. “I think it’s a hugely personal preference and [the parent’s] comfort is the most important thing,” Phelps says. “I knew I needed something that reclined due to my particular nursing needs but also wanted something I could use to just hold and rock the baby,” she adds.

How Do You Clean a Nursery Glider?

Wherever you care for a baby, things will inevitably get messy. To clean a nursery glider, you can simply wipe down the fabric with a damp cloth to remove the initial mess, and if you need to take things one step further, you could treat it with a nontoxic cleaning product—just be sure to check the guidelines of your chair’s manufacturer first. Over time, you might want to get a vacuum into small crevices where snack crumbs may have fallen or even consider steam cleaning the cushions. Some nursery gliders also feature removable, machine-washable cushions. 

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS is a commerce and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of two. She was thankful to have a comfortable rocking chair and ottoman while nursing and bottle-feeding her children, especially during the many late-night feedings while they were infants. 

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents, and a mom of one daughter who is out of the baby stage. She nursed her daughter during the first year and was thankful for the Storkcraft glider-ottoman set that was gifted to her. 

Casey Seiden, MS, RD, CDCES, is a prenatal and postpartum dietitian, as well as a mom of two. Her personal experience nursing and feeding her first daughter in many different environments, as well as conversations with lactation consultants and moms, helped inform her for this article.